YOUNG Cassidy Coventry Blaze star Joe Henry has become the first home-grown player to be called up to the international side.

Henry is preparing today with his team-mates in the Great Britain under-20s side as they bid to regain a place in Division One of the world structure, having been relegated the year before.

Great Britain are competing in Spain in a tournament that runs from tomorrow until January 16.

The 19-year-old, who splits his time between the Blaze senior side and the English National League team, is collecting international honours for the first time.

Henry said: “It’s my first time playing for GB and I’m looking forward to it. It’s an honour to play for your country. There are some players I know from the conference sides from junior and that will help me settle in.

“I’m not sure what the standard will be like but we will be looking for promotion. The ENL has been going well for me this season and I have been getting good ice time. Training with the senior side helps loads as the pace is slower in the ENL.”